Author - Jammy

Your name and what do you do?

My name is Hassan Farouq Sabri. A teacher, writer, poet, actor, philanthropist and a director. 

Founder of #kumbushamwanafunzi initiative.

What is your education background?

I am a teacher by profession who pursued Bachelors of Education (arts) from Moi University Eldoret Kenya. I am proud to be an alumnus of Allidina Visram High School Mombasa. Always an Allidinian.

I am a high school Teacher and my teaching subjects are Islamic Religious Education (IRE) and Kiswahili.

As a teacher, how do you motivate students?

As a teacher, I always take the responsibility of motivating my students. I mostly deal with the age group between 14-18 years. This is a very delicate group and a lot of focus is needed to help them. I really try my best to make my students feel and know the purpose of life. I always champion for self-awareness and self-actualization, that they are super capable of changing the negative narratives not only in their communities but world at large.

How do you approach discipline and what role does it play in learning?

Discipline is a code of conduct that in our profession i.e. teaching profession leads in every bar. I am at the forefront to impart discipline not only in my students but also the people around me who i can approach. I do this in my classes and at an individual level. I have or I interact with so many teenagers with different personalities but with the level of professionalism, i am able to make sure they understand the importance of discipline not only in classes but also in their lives for these learners need our guidance. We need integrity, honesty, good mannerism and perseverance from our able students that will reflect in their futures and the future of this country too. This is all attained by Discipline.

What do you think of technology in the classroom and how have you integrated it into your lessons?

The kind of school I am teaching is technological advanced. I incorporate various technological techniques in my lessons thus making them more interesting and understandable. I use projectors to show different content from YouTube, google and soft copies. I give my students assignments they can research on and obviously they use their phones, computers and laptops to research. As a teacher, technology has really boosted my confidence in content delivery and preparation in my lesson planning.

You are also a poet/writer; do you think this has helped you in teaching?

Yes, I am a poet/writer and this has really assisted me in my teaching journey. Being a writer, it has assisted me in my language delivery and has boosted my communication skills. As a poet, I have directed various poetry and performed in national competitions like Kenya National Drama and Film Festivals and also Kenya National Music Festivals and attained the best ranks and also awarded the best Trainer and that is so recent 2019. So this talent through teaching has really helped me. I was among teachers who was chosen by the Ministry of Education to represent Coast Region Teachers and participate in the Kenya National Drama Festivals Adjudicators in Kabarnet early 2020. It is through incorporation of this talent and teaching.

Many youths are unemployed or lack career guidance, how can we approach this issue in Mombasa County?

About youth being unemployed, I am not of the idea of always blaming fate. We need to be innovative and hardworking to pursue our aspirations and goals. Youth should never wait for opportunities but they should look for them. Mombasa county Youth have the potential to beat this unemployment menace. But only if they will take responsibilities and avoid blame games and petty talks about leaders. To those who can access TVETs programs and colleges they can enroll and get possible skills that can sustain themselves and thus reflected to Mombasa economy and Kenya at large. We have so many opportunities like skills mitaani enrollment in various constituencies (sub counties) let’s utilize them to the fullest. Let’s be educated and trust you me, we will change this narrative.

In your opinion, how can youth develop and nurture their talent or skill?

In the Nurturing and talent development, there are various platforms one can establish him/herself. Let’s get creative here. For those who can access technology like phones, cameras, computers or even laptops, Social media can really serve you very well if you serve it well too. Let’s avoid and kill the stereotypes about social media being a negative impact in our society only. There is more in social media than just pornography, cyber bullying, body shaming and dating apps. Make use of it. I have seen magic in it. For those who can’t access technology, never despair just continue doing what you do even if it’s in front of the mirror. Utilize any opportunity that will come like small shows or even family. Norm says we have various talents, try each and every of them you never know what will kiss your destiny.

Draw, sing, model, dance, write, dress, act … (the list is long) your heart out. After all we are fed with what we a capable of doing.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

In 10 years to come I believe i will be touching lives at a wider range and scope in Mombasa and beyond. I want to empower my community educationally. I want to quench this Education thirst in my community. I want to be an Education enthusiast, Education Ambassador, Education Veteran, Education activist or even Education Extremist (Haha just to kill the boredom). I will really champion for #kumbushamwanafunzi for the purpose of consistency in education in my community.

Parting Shot

I am really honored and super excited to be featured in this wonderful and creative Blog. This will be one of my achievements of life. I will never take it for granted.

I believe Mombasa people have the potential to move forward but only if we believe we can. We should all champion for education of all levels for we need to fight our future through pen. A pen always wins because its power is endless. 

Thank you

Your name and what do you do?

 My name is Ahmed Juma Bhalo popularly known as Anchor001 or AJB. I am a journalist by profession and an entrepreneur by default and a fragrance enthusiast. Currently, I head the Sales and Marketing department in a real estate agency known as Richland Properties Limited that is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with operations all over the country and beyond. As I had stated earlier, I am an entrepreneur who is amazingly in love with scents, I am also the founder of House of Bhalo which is an online personal grooming shop. At the moment, HoB products include Anchor001 Men’s perfume and Anchor001 Ouds/Bakhoor under the Anchor001 fragrance line.

What is your education background?

I hold a Second-Class (Upper Division) Bachelor’s degree in Journalism & Media Studies from The University of Nairobi. At the moment I’m still a student at the same university pursuing a Master degree in Communication However, due to personal reasons I had to temporarily put on-hold my studies since 2018.

Why did you choose journalism?

 Journalism is a calling just like any other profession and I also fell in love with it at a very tender age. If my memory serves me right, I was in class 5. Back then I would just find myself using my Walkman recording my voice presenting news as I grew up my love for it also grew. There are a number of YouTube videos of me reporting news while still in school.

What challenges have you faced when you were a news anchor?

 Journalism as a career has its fair share of challenges that ‘attack’ you from left, right and center just like in any other profession. Apart from the fame, glamor and prestige that comes with being a television news anchor, there is so much happening behind the scenes both at a personal and professional level. You just have to develop the right mindset and a thick skin to overcome each hurdle that confronts you.

A lot of people say, Mombasa youth are lazy. How can we debunk this notion?

That is being stereotypic. I will definitely be wrong to say all Kikuyus are thieves or all Luhyas are watchmen. Why? Because every community is composed of different characters. We shouldn’t use a trait within a small group to define a whole community. All communities have characters that are lazy-heads, thieves, sinful and other negative traits. But we can’t use that to brand the whole group.  Let me add this, the World Guinness Record for the longest cooking chef is held by a Mombasa lady, Chef Maliha Mohamed. Apart from that, one of the most celebrated Kenyan chef with international recognition Ali Said Mandhry popularly known as Chef Ali comes from Mombasa. Last but not least, do you remember the group of boys from Old Town in Mombasa who captured the country’s attention with their unique style of entertaining customers while vending vegetables amid the Covid19 pandemic?

Do you think there are enough resources for the youth?

 Resources will never be enough not just to the youth but to everyone. Even the government does not have enough resources. Itakua mimi na wewe? Challenges, including the scarcity of resources, are inevitable. We as a youth need to change our mindsets and look at a glass that is half-filled with water as being half full and not half empty. We need to embrace positivity, creativity and be innovative in order to independently transform our lives. Haya mambo ya kila kitu ‘Serikali saidia,’ ndio yanatulemaza. We live in a continent that is full of opportunities.  As the Chinese billionaire Jack Ma once said, ‘This is where I see Africa, full of problems, but full of opportunities.” Just identify a problem and provide a solution.

You have an Oud brand; do you think you have enough entrepreneurial skills to sustain your business?

 I have slightly over one year of experience as an entrepreneur since I ventured in the fragrance business. I started off with the introduction of Anchor001 Perfume for men under Anchor001 Fragrance line owned by House Of Bhalo – which is a personal grooming company. The perfume gave birth to the Oud/Bakhoor brand that is still under Anchor001 Fragrance line. As a young entrepreneur, this has been an interesting journey for me.

Concerning my entrepreneurial skills, it depends on how you define ‘enough.’ What I would say is that I have skills to make House of Bhalo a competitive brand. However, I acknowledge the fact that I am not there yet, and I will never be there because I am always yarning for more skills and knowledge.

In your opinion, what skills does one need to succeed in their businesses?

The skill to sell – Any business person is in the game to sale a product or service. Whatever it is that you do, you need to up your selling skills or else you will be out of business in no time. Learn how to position your product or service to convince your clients.

Basic accounting and book keeping skills – No matter how big or small the business is; your financial literacy determines the success of your business. You don’t need to be a professional accountant, what you need to know is how money moves in and out of your business.

Communication skills – Each business or company has its own size or number of stakeholders. Stakeholders include people or entities that ensures the business attains its goals. Stakeholders include shareholders/business owners, employees and customers among others. During the day to day business operations, a business owner is required to interact with the stakeholders in one way or the other. Equip yourself with relevant communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Learn how to communicate, what to communicate and when to communicate.

Networking skills – You are an average of the five people you spend most of your time with. If you look at the circle of friends that surround you and don’t get inspired, then you don’t have a circle, you have a cage. What I am basically saying is this, surround yourself with people that motivate you and bring the best out of you. Network with people or companies that take you closer to your dream destination.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Being in the business of fragrances as an online shop for slightly over one year, HoB has established a loyal clientele not just in Kenya and East Africa but also in other continents. We have members of the #anchor001fragrance family in the UK, United States, Canada, Qatar, UAE and India. Our vision – To be the leading retailer of authentic personal grooming and fragrance products in Kenya and beyond.

Parting Shot

To all my fellow youth and anyone reading this, I urge you to monetize your passion and talent. Ask yourself, “What is it that I LOVE & ENJOY doing that I can do for the rest of my life without regret?” or “What is it that I am good at?” Once you have answered one or both of the questions, then acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to make money out of it.  Alhamdulila we live in a digital world that presents numerous opportunities for us to make living independently. In conclusion, know your passion or talent, acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to monetize it, embrace the digital space and have a purpose in life.

Your Name and what do you do?

My Name is Charles Msilanga. I am a Corporate Trainer, Inspirational Speaker and Public Speaking Coach. I run an organization called Personal and Corporate Development Company which trains individuals and companies on Public Speaking, leadership development and also team building services for corporates. I am also a youth leader and serves in the board of directors of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mombasa Chapter and also a director of a youth led initiative called Youth Empowerment Program Initiative based in Mombasa, Kenya.

What are the benefits of Public Speaking?

There are many benefits of public speaking in our lives and I would wish to state that one of the primary benefit of public speaking is Personal Advancement…Anyone who is great and better at Public speaking is able to make people believe in them, invest in them and even partner in them as well. You see, someone might have an extraordinary idea that can transform people’s lives but if they are unable to communicate it to people to partner with it, then that Idea may never manifest to fruition. You see, I have a saying that states,” Public Speaking is the currency of leadership” Probably, that is the reason as to why majority of our leaders are great speakers and can communicate their ideas with ease and conviction.

How long will it take someone to become a good speaker?

Well, Public speaking is an art. The more you practice it, the more you become better at it. Therefore, from experience in coaching individuals, I can state that depending on the enthusiasm of an individual and even personality, one can learn and become a good speaker through our coaching sessions within a period of 4 weeks. However, there are some extremes where we may take more than 4 weeks to learn which we still provide coaching and ensure our clients come through and feel and experience a difference as we coach them.

Tell us about your journey at Watson Institute?

Well, Watson institute was a great opportunity which I am always grateful to God for. I attended Watson institute for a 4 month business incubator program on social entrepreneurship where I learned how to develop a social enterprise and use it to become a change maker in my community. At Watson, I was able to learn further on how to become efficient in my journey to help individuals in my community and the world at large through my passion and purpose for life. This was an exciting journey and an interesting experience which I hope most youth of Mombasa and even Kenya at large apply to participate into and contribute in transforming their community through the lessons and knowledge gained there. I am willing and open to support and help my fellow youth get accepted at the institute by recommending them to the institution. Anyone who would like to take part can write to me.

With all your career commitment, how do you manage your time?

Well, Priorities. I can say that I operate on plan and a routine. I operate on the believe that if I do not value time, then I do not value myself. Therefore, to me, time is value. I operate on a to-do list which I plan on what I do on a daily basis, weekly basis and even monthly basis. I must admit, however that sometimes the pressure can be too much but it does not mean that I get drifted or shifted from the main goal of achieving and implementing my to-do list assignments. This has helped me a lot and recently, I have been using google calendar which really remind me on my schedules, assignments, meetings and deadlines as well.

Share with us an example of how you helped coach or mentor someone. What improvements did you see in the person’s knowledge or skills?

I have had an opportunity to coach and mentor different individuals and of different ages. From students to corporate leaders and political leaders. Through my engagements with them, I have seen tremendous improvements in their growth in terms of personal development and communication. I have, by God’s grace seen individuals who I have coached to be transformed and gain clarity in their life purpose, confidence in their life journey and improvements in their personal brands. I have also managed to witness individuals discover themselves grow in living better lives by making better choices for their lives as well. I have also grown from just being a coach but also a lifetime accountability partner as well.

Today, a lot of youth lack mentorship and mentors, how can we as sisters, brothers and family be mentors for our youth?

I believe we can be the best mentors by showing and being the better and great example. Every young person desires a great association with an individual who is growing, progressing and developing as this is the equal desire of every youth. By this, I do not mean thriving in wealth and money but thriving in purpose. You see, anyone who is living in line with their purpose breeds attraction. This attraction includes the young people who will like and admire the status and progress of your life and thus seek mentorship from you. In addition, those who are mentoring the youth need to also have and invest enough time to the youth as mentorship is an investment through wisdom and time and thus always need to have our time and willingness available to our youth as well.

What are the best ways a youth can find resources to improve themselves, in terms of training, seed funding opportunities and career development courses?

Well, there are many opportunities which youth can access for learning, funding, career and personal development. I recommend Young African Leaders Initiative Program, Youth Empowerment Program Initiative Programs, In addition, there is an online website which youth can check it out for opportunities and funding which are usually advertised for young people to apply and grow from and the link is https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com/

 Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

In the next 10 years, I see myself serving the whole world by mentoring, training and coaching people. In addition, I look forward having presence for our organization in different cities in Africa and beyond and also hosting talk shows which will be inspiring generations and the world at large through discussions on purpose, potential and personal development at large. I see myself living my purpose to the fullest and maximizing my potential to serve the people of the world.

 Parting Shot

My parting shot will be from the words of Rumi which I really profess to: ‘’WHAT YOU SEEK, IS SEEKING YOU”

Your name and what do you do?

Manaal Jamal (Manaals Mikyaj) I am a professional makeup artist.

How long have you been a makeup artist and how did you get your start in the industry?

I have been a makeup artist for 4years. I was based in Nairobi at first, I had just left the banking industry looking to go into something that was of interest to me. A friend had recommended that I should take up classes and see where it takes me, since I had a lot of interest in the beauty industry on social media. So I started classes with Muthino Njoba, who was then the brand ambassador for Maybelline Kenya, she also had a contract with k24 TV. Seven or so classes in, an opportunity opened up for me to start working on the lunch time shift at K24. This was my stepping stone into becoming a makeup artist, as well as marketing myself to outsiders through social media and word of mouth.

What are the biggest challenges makeup artists have to face?

One of the biggest challenges I face just from moving to Mombasa from Nairobi is the amount people are willing to pay you for your service. As a makeup artist people tend to overlook your skill, the quality of the products you will use and your time.

Secondly the amount of makeup artists and upcoming artists we have today keeps increasing. The makeup industry is booming and it’s seems like everyone is aspiring to be an MUA. So competition is high. Marketing yourself adequately and believing that we can all have a piece of the pie and support each other since our sustenance comes from God, makes it less if challenge of you look at it in the aspect.

If a customer asked you what’s the most suitable foundation tone for them, how would you help?

Many factors matter from brands to their price range and what coverage they are looking for. If I do have past experience with a certain brand they want I definitely can recommend something for them or if they don’t have any specific brand I tend to recommend what I use on them during their makeup session. You should only give feedback based on past experience with a product.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I don’t specifically have one artist but I love following various makeup artists from different parts of the world, as each region has its own kind of makeup application. From the states to Nigeria to the middle East, everyone’s technique is different and that is the beauty of the make-up industry.

There is so many MUA in Mombasa, how do you stand out?

I believe you each have your own target market. Your own brand. The way you bring it forth and market yourself is what matters. From relocating from Nairobi, and settling in Mombasa, shortly after giving birth, I am still trying to put my name out there as much as I can. Starting from scratch again is never an easy road.

Recall a time you had to face a frustrated customer who wasn’t satisfied with the hair or makeup services you provided. How did you handle it?

I believe customer is King. So I like to leave my customers satisfied. I always ask once I’m done if there is anything they would like me to change. If a customer is frustrated I make sure to do all I can to provide them with what they wanted and leave them satisfied.

What three makeup item should no woman leave home without?

 Depends on what you are used to as an individual.  Definitely lipstick and powder for touch up.

Where do see yourself 10 years from now

With the will of God, constantly growing my makeup skills/name and having my own makeup workshop where I also teach makeup to the next upcoming generation of artists.

Parting shot

Each makeup artist has their own unique way and skill of applying makeup. And each client has their own preference as to what look they want. Supporting each other is all that matters at the end of the day , as not only one person can do the job, there is a piece of the pie for everyone.